Page 11 of Pretty Please Me
I shake the thoughts from my head. I can’t let myself even entertain them. I’ve got to get this conversation back on track.
“So, that’s what you were out doing tonight? Looking for some random guy to give you sex lessons?” I keep my voice level and calm, despite the rush of testosterone oozing through my veins.
“Yeah, is that weird?” She sets her purse on the table and pulls out a wad of cash. “I was going to pay him. I don’t expect anyone to do it for free.”
I rush to cover her hands with mine, fear replacing my arousal. “Mags, put that away before someone sees! Please tell me you haven’t been walking around by yourself all night with all this cash on you–”
“Well, yeah, you can only withdraw one thousand from an ATM, and I wasn’t going to tell him my real name.” She says it like I’m the idiot. “It’s not like I was going to approach anyone creepy, and I was only showingyou,” she scoffs. “Honestly, I was halfway hoping Damian would point me in the right direction.”
“Christ, woman, how much were you willing to pay?” I hiss.
She tucks the money back into her bag and shrugs. “Three thousand, I just took a guess. Why? Do you not think that’s fair?”
A stinging ache forms behind my temples, and I massage them. “Let me be clear. You don’t need to pay any man to sleep with you. We are more than happy to do that for free. Do you understand?”
“You say that, but–”
“Magnolia Anderson, as your friend, I am telling you that is the stupidest way of getting chlamydia that I can think of, and I can’t allow it. Just find a nice, decent guy like a normal person. Okay?”
“Fine, since you’re here, you can help me pick someone who looksnormal,” she mocks, then gestures to the mass of people moving around the bar.
I tighten my grip around my glass and lean back with a sigh. “Sure. Yeah. Let’s find you a fairy-god-fucker…”
* * *
One hour later, we’re both feeling tipsy and are no closer to finding a suitable prospect than when we arrived.
Maggie’s cheeks are tinted a rosy pink, and she’s pushed the sleeves up on her cardigan. Her long hair hangs down her back in loose waves, and every time she laughs, I catch myself staring at her in awe. Maggie has this full-body laugh that pulls you in. It’s bubbly and contagious and feels like a crackling fire warming your chilled bones.
How could anyone think she was bad at sex? The thought is burned in my mind, and I can’t get rid of it.
Maggie slaps the table to get my attention, and I glance to see what she’s looking at.
“How about that guy?” She closes one eye and points. “The one in the plaid standing by the guy in overalls.”
I shoot her a questioning look before trading out her beer for a bottle of water. “Seriously? That guy? He looks like he doesn’t wash his hands after he pees.”
She slaps me on the shoulder. “Sam! Now, you’re just being mean.”
“What? I thought you wanted my male opinion?” I shrug. “But, hey, if you want Ecoli and pinkeye, that’s your prerogative.”
We watch as the guy grabs a handful of nuts from the community bowl and licks the salt from each finger before diving in for another handful. I send Maggie anI told you so look.
She throws up her hands and rolls her eyes. “Fine. You’re probably right. What about the guy sitting down in the corner by the do–”
“Married,” I answer before she can finish her sentence. “You can tell because he’s alone. He keeps rubbing his left finger and playing with something in his pocket. Mostly likely a newlywed, and it’s their first big fight.” Her head tilts curiously, and I continue. “My guess is that he’ll realize he’s about to fuck everything up and go home soon.”
“And how could you possibly know all of that?”
I shrug and take a sip of my water. “I’ve spent enough time watching, I guess. When you travel like I do, you realize there are only a few different archetypes of people. It’s easy to tell them apart after a while.”
“Yeah?” She narrows her eyes and studies me. “What’s mine, then?” She absentmindedly braids a strand of her hair. I can’t help but notice how much more relaxed she seems. Like she’s finally let down her guard and is enjoying herself. It feels good that she’s comfortable enough to do that with me.
“Well, I know you, so it’s not exactly fair, but you’re a good person who puts everyone’s needs before your own. You’re sweet and thoughtful, and people tend to take advantage of you without you even realizing it.”
Her mouth drops open. “I don’t know if that’s an insult or a compliment. You make me sound like I’m naïve…”
“It doesn’t have to be either.” I shrug. “There’s nothing wrong with being a good girl. It’s all about how you feel about yourself in the end.”
